Flush apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for flushing a generally circular vessel, such as a toilet bowl, whereby optimum rinsing of the bowl surface occurs while using a minimum charge of a flushing liquid. Means are provided for injecting a stream of the flushing liquid into the bowl so that it will flow generally in a vortex pattern. The injection means discharges the liquid onto a ledge formed in the wall of the bowl to facilitate spilling of the liquid uniformly over the interior surface of the bowl.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Charles L. Sargent Ypsilanti;

Marshall W. Miller, Ann Arbor; Gary R. Adiska, Milan, all of, Mich.

Oct. 13, 1969 Aug. 3 l, 1971 Thetiord Corporation Ann Arbor, Mich.

App]. No. Filed Patented Assignee FLUSH APPARATUS 13 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl.... 4/92 Int. Cl ..E03d 11/10, E03d 1l/08 Field of Search References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,538,518 1l/l970 Helke etal 4/10 962,240 6/1910 Neal 4/181 1,957,625 5/1934 Brannan 4/7 2,272,481 2/1942 Rinkes etal. 128/66 2,679,652 6/1954 Eyring 4/181 2,847,681 8/1958 Jac0bs.... 4/89 X 3,411,162 11/1968 Palmer 4/89 Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis Attorney-Olsen and Stephenson ABSTRACT: Apparatus for flushing a generally circular vessel, such as a toilet bowl, whereby optimum rinsing of the bowl surface occurs while using a minimum charge'of a flushing liquid. Means are provided for injecting a stream of the Hushing liquid into the bowl so that it will flow generally in a vortex pattern. The injection means discharges the liquid onto a ledge formed in the wall of the bowl to facilitate spilling of the liquid uniformly over the interior surface of the bowl.

IPATENTEU AUB31 m 3,601,820

SHEET 2 BF 4 INVENTORS CHARLES L. SARGENT MARSHALL W. MILLER BY GARY R4 ADISKA gwm TTORHEYL PATENTED M31 [9?! SHEET 3 [IF 4 FIG. 7

ATTORNEYS PATENTED AUG31 |97l sum u [1F 4 VII/III INVENTORS CHARLES L SARGENT MARSHALL W. MILLER GARY R. ADISKA (9mm W J ATTORNEYS FLUSH APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION where water conservation is no problem. However, flushing apparatus of this type is unsatisfactory where water conservation must be practiced, because (I) excess amounts of water are used, and (2) the water that is used is not used in the most efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has overcome the problems existing in the prior art and provides a flushing apparatus wherein a desired minimum volume of flushing water can be discharged into the toilet bowl and optimum rinsing of the bowl will be provided. These results are realized over a wide range of flush pressures by virtue of the flow pattern and distribution'of the water in the bowl as imparted thereto by the features embodying the present invention.

According to a preferred form of the present invention, a toilet is provided having a bowl with an outlet at the bottom and an inner wall surface converging to said outlet, said inner wall surface defining in its upper portion an inwardly facing ledge, said ledge having at least in portions thereof a downward slope and an inward slant to facilitate flow of a flush liquid around the bowl and onto the lower converging surface of the bowl. The ledge has relatively greater widthat its upper end and progressively becomes narrower in width until finally merging into the converging surface of the bowl. Water injection means are mounted adjacent to the upper end of the ledge for introducing a desired volume of flush liquid thereon for flow toward the lower end thereof. Thus, the measured volume of flush liquid that is introduced onto the ledge will flow along said ledge with portions of the liquid spilling over the edge thereof in a flow pattern to provide the desired rinsing of the converging inner surface of the bowl.

In toilets of the types disclosed in the above-identified related applications, wherein a valve mechanism assembly is provided for normally closing the outlet of the bowl, the present invention also provides an overflow chamber at the upper end of the ledge which is in communication with the valve mechanism assembly for rinsing the valve blade of the assembly.

Accordingly, it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved flush apparatus for toilets wherein the most efficient utilization of the flush water is practiced.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention showing, in part, the ledge formed in the upper portion of the bowl;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view showing the shape of the ledge in a developed form; a

FIG. 3 is a similar schematic view showing the ledge in side elevational view in a developed form;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the toilet illustrated in FIG. 1, with portions broken away to illustrate the upper portions of the toilet bowl; FIGS. 5 to 10, inclusive, are enlarged fragmentary sections taken respectively on the lines 55'to 10-10, inclusive, in

FIG. 4. v

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken partly on the line 11-11 of FIG. 4 showing the trap tube circuit from the overflow chamber to the valve mechanism in the outlet of the bowl;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on the lines 12-12 of FIG. 1 1; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken on the lines 13-13 of FIG. 1 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring now to the drawings, the invention will be described in greater detail. The toilet 10 includes a bowl 12 having an outlet 14 at its bottom and an inner wall or surface 16 converging to the outlet 14. A conventional seat 18 and cover 20 are mounted on the upper surface of the bowl 12. A closure valve member or blade 22 is a component of the valve mechanism 24 for simultaneously opening and closing the closure valve member 22 and an associated flush ball valve 26. The latter is a component of the inlet water supply means 28 for supplying flush water to the bowl 12. The valve mechanism 24 will not be described in detail, because it is described fully in US. Pat. No. 3,369,260, granted Feb. 20, 1968 to R. J. Sargent, et al., to which reference is made for this purpose. Briefly, the mechanism 24 includes the foot lever 30 which is connected to the closure valve member 22 for opening the latter when the foot lever 30 is depressed and simultaneously for opening the ball valve 26 to permit water to flow from a source through the inlet supply means 28. When pressure is released from the foot lever 30, the spring 32 will function to close the closure valve member 22 and the ball valve 26.

The flush apparatus for the toilet 10 includes the bowl 12 with its outlet 14, converging inner surface 16, and upper bowl portion which defines a generally spiral ledge 34 and an overflow chamber 36. The flush apparatus also includes the liquidinjection means or tube 38 which is mounted in alignment with the upper end 40 of the ledge 34 and overlies the overflow chamber 36.

The spiral ledge 34 in the illustrated embodiment has more than one convolution, the upper end of the ledge 34 being at 40 and the lower end, which is part of the second convolution, merging into the converging surface 16 of the bowl at 42. This second convolution provides for coverage of the bowl 16 when the water inlet 48 flow is high enough that the velocity of the water from the injection tube 38 is too great to spill over the inner edge 44 between the cross sections on lines 5 and 6 of FIG. 4. This permits operation of the unit over a variety of pressure and flow conditions. As can be seen in FIGS. 2-10, inclusive, the ledge 34 has a downward slope from the upper end 40 to the lower end 42. The downward slope keeps the water moving for maximum distribution. Also, as seen best in FIGS. 5-10, inclusive, the ledge 34 has an inward slant, that is, it slants inwardly toward the center of the bowl I2 terminating at its inner side in the rounded edge 44. It is also to be noted that the ledge 34 has its greatest width, and therefore greatest flush-liquid-carrying capacity, at the upper end 40, and the ledge 34 progressively becomes narrower until it merges into the converging surface l6 at the lower end 42.

The construction and arrangement of the ledge 34 is such that when a charge of a selected volume of flush water is injected or introduced onto the upper end 40 of the ledge 34, the water will flow downwardly thereon toward the lower end 34, with a constant spilling of water over the rounded inner edge 44 so as to rinse the converging surface 16. Because of the impetus of the moving liquid, a generally vortex pattern of flow in the bowl will occur. During its vortex movement water spills over the inner edge 44 for two reasons. First, the friction of the ledge 34 reduces its velocity, and thus its radial impetus. Second, the area of ledge 34 (FIG. 2) becomes smaller between the start 40 and the end 42, thus causing the water to be eased over the inner edge 44. The water thus directed onto the converging surface 16 will be discharged through the bowl outlet 14 when the valve.member 22 is in its open position, which will occur, as previously described, when the foot lever 30 is in its depressed position. This latter condition also will permit injection of water through the outlet of tube 38 from the source or water inlet supply means 28 via inlet conduit 46, valve 26, conduit 48, antisiphon means 50 and injection tube 38. a

As best shown in FIG. 11, the injection tube 38 has an aperture 52 for discharging a limited quantity of water during each flush cycle. Such limited quantity of water flows out of the hole 54 in the bottom wall of the overflow chamber 36 into a trap tube 56 which is in communication at its other end with the housing 58 of the valve member 22 for rinsing such valve member 22. Thereafter such water is discharged out of the outlet 14. As is to be understood, each time such limited quantity flows into trap tube 56 the raised level at 60 will cause a corresponding amount of liquid to be displaced from 62 to the housing 58.

Thus, the trap tube 56 and related apparatus serves as a means (1) to rinse the valve member or blade 22, (2) to accommodate overflow liquid from the bowl 12 via chamber 36 should such need arise, and (3) to act as a barrier for odors from below outlet 14.

The water-injection tube 38 is preferably mounted so that the aperture 52 is aligned with the hole 54. This is accomplished by a pair of flanges 64 and 68, each having a V-shaped groove for receiving a cement sealant 68 on the tube 38. The flange 64 forms the one wall of the overflow chamber 36, and the flange 66 is a part of the annular cover ring 70 which is suitably mounted on the bowl 12 to overlie the spiral ledge 34.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that improved flush apparatus has been provided for a toilet which can be utilized with toilets other than the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the improved flush apparatus can also be used in portable toilets of the type disclosed, for example, in the aforesaid US. Pat. No. 3,570,018.

It is claimed:

1. Flush apparatus comprising a bowl having an outlet at the bottom and an inner wall with an inner surface converging to said outlet, said wall defining in its upper portion a spiral ledge which extends in a direction around the interior of the bowl and which has a downward slope, and liquid-injection means mounted adjacent to the upper end of said ledge for introducing flush liquid onto the ledge for flow in a direction around the bowl so as to provide a vortex pattern of flow on the converging surface of the bowl when the water spills inward from said ledge.

2. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said spiral ledge has its maximum width at its upper end and becomes narrower in width progressively toward its lower end where it merges into said surface.

5. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein the inner edge of said ledge is rounded to facilitate spill of flush liquid from the ledge onto the converging surface of said wall.

6. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid-injection means comprises an injection tube in longitudinal alignment with the upper end of said ledge and opening in a direction to discharge liquid onto said ledge toward the lower end thereof.

7. Plush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said wall defines an overflow chamber adjacent to the upper end of said ledge, and a trap tube is mounted in communication with the interior of said overflow chamber and the outlet of said bowl.

8. Plush apparatus as is defined in claim 7, wherein said liquid-injection means comprises an injection tube in longitudinal alignment with the upper end of said ledge and opening in a direction to discharge liquid onto said ledge, said injection tube extending across said overflow chamber and having an aperture for discharging a limited quantity of liquid into said chamber each time liquid flows through said injection tube.

9. Flush apparatus comprising a bowl having an outlet at the bottom and an inner surface converging to said outlet, said bowl defining in its upper portion an inwardly facing spiral ledge, said ledge having a downward slope and an inward slant to facilitate flow of a flush liquid around the bowl and onto the converging surface of the bowl, said ledge having relatively greater width at its upper end merging into said converging surface at its lower end, and means mounted adjacent to the upper end of the ledge for introducing flush liquid thereon for flow toward the lower end thereof.

10. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 9, wherein the inner edge of said ledge is rounded to facilitate spill of the flush liquid onto said converging surface.

11. A toilet comprising a bowl having an outlet at the bottom and an inner surface converging to said outlet, said bowl defining in its upper portion an overflow chamber and an inwardly facing spiral ledge, the upper. end of said ledge being located adjacent to said overflow chamber, said ledge having downward slope and an inward slant to facilitate flow of a flush liquid around the bowl and onto the converging surface of the bowl, said ledge having relatively greater width at its upper end merging into said converging surface at its lower end, a flush liquid injection tube mounted to extend across said overflow chamber and in alignment with the upper end of said ledge for discharging liquid thereon, said injection tube having an aperture in its wall located over said overflow chamber for discharging a limited quantity of liquid thereinto when liquid is injected through the tube onto said ledge, and a trap tube mounted in communication with said overflow chamber for receiving said limited quantity of liquid and for receiving overflow liquids that may enter said chamber.

12. A toilet as is defined in claim 11, wherein said trap tube has a discharge outlet in communication with the outlet of said bowl.

13. A toilet as is defined in claim 11, wherein an annular cover ring is mounted on said bowl to overlie said spiral ledge. 

1. Flush apparatus comprising a bowl having an outlet at the bottom and an inner wall with an inner surface converging to said outlet, said wall defining in its upper portion a spiral ledge which extends in a direction around the interior of the bowl and which has a downward slope, and liquid-injection means mounted adjacent to the upper end of said ledge for introducing flush liquid onto the ledge for flow in a direction around the bowl so as to provide a vortex pattern of flow on the converging surface of the bowl when the water spills inward from said ledge.
 2. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said spiral ledge has at least one full convolution around the interior of the bowl.
 3. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said spiral ledge has an inward slant.
 4. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said spiral ledge has its maximum width at its upper end and becomes narrower in width progressively toward its lower end where it merges into said surface.
 5. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein the inner edge of said ledge is rounded to facilitate spill of flush liquid from the ledge onto the converging surface of said wall.
 6. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said liquid-injection means comprises an injection tube in longitudinal alignment with the upper end of said ledge and opening in a direction to discharge liquid onto said ledge toward the lower end thereof.
 7. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 1, wherein said wall defines an overflow chamber adjacent to the upper end of said ledge, and a trap tube is mounted in communication with the interior of said overflow chamber and the outlet of said bowl.
 8. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 7, wherein said liquid-injection means comprises an injection tube in longitudinal alignment with the upper end of said ledge and opening in a direction to discharge liquid onto said ledge, said injection tube extending across said overflow chamber and having an aperture for discharging a limited quantity of liquid into said chamber each time liquid flows through said injection tube.
 9. Flush apparatus comprising a bowl having an outlet at the bottom and an inner surface converging to said outlet, said bowl defining in its upper portion an inwardly facing spiral ledge, said ledge having a downward slope and an inward slant to facilitate flow of a flush liquid around the bowl and onto the converging surface of the bowl, said ledge having relatively greater width at its upper end merging into said converging surface at its lower end, and means mounted adjacent to the upper end of the ledge for introducing flush liquid thereon for flow toward the lower end thereof.
 10. Flush apparatus as is defined in claim 9, wherein the inner edge of said ledge is rounded to facilitate spill of the flush liquid onto said converging surface.
 11. A toilet comprising a bowl having an outlet at the bottom and an inner surface converging to said outlet, said bowl defining in its upper portion an overflow chamber and an inwardly facing spiral ledge, the upper end of said ledge being located adjacent to said overflow chamber, said ledge having downward slope and an inward slant to facilitate flow of a flush liquid around the bowl and onto the converging surface of the bowl, said ledge having relatively greater width at its upper end merging into said converging surface at its lower end, a flush liquid injection tube mounted to extend across said overflow chamber and in alignment with the upper end of said ledge for discharging liquid thereon, said injection tube having an aperture in its wall located over said overflow chamber for discharging a limited quantity of liquid thereinto when liquid is injected through the tube onto said ledge, and a trap tube mounted in communication with said overflow chamber for receiving said limited quantIty of liquid and for receiving overflow liquids that may enter said chamber.
 12. A toilet as is defined in claim 11, wherein said trap tube has a discharge outlet in communication with the outlet of said bowl.
 13. A toilet as is defined in claim 11, wherein an annular cover ring is mounted on said bowl to overlie said spiral ledge. 